Meet the Valedictorian & Salutatorian

Congratulations to the Academic Leaders of the Class of 2024!

Two Raiders have earned their way to the head of the class: Navin Ramesh '24 has been named Valedictorian and Arnav Lele '24 has been named Salutatorian.

 

Valedictorian: Navin Ramesh '24

Congratulations to Navin Ramesh '24, Valedictorian for Central Catholic High School’s Class of 2024!

This fall, Navin will be attending Brown University, where he plans to major in Environmental Studies and Economics.

Read more below.

 

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Salutatorian: Arnav Lele '24

Congratulations to Arnav Lele '24, Salutatorian for Central Catholic High School’s Class of 2024!

This fall, Arnav will be attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.

Read more below.

 

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Meet the Academic Leaders of the Class of 2024...

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Navin Ramesh '24, Valedictorian

• Brown University
• Hometown: North Chelmsford
• Middle School: Ste Jeanne d'Arc School, Lowell

Activities

• Student Council E-Board, Class President
• Student Ambassadors - Leadership
• Student Alumni Association - Co-President
• DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) 
  • President, Four-time National Finalist, State Champion
• IYNA Neuroscience Club - President
• Gavel Club
• National Honor Society (NHS), NHS E-Board, President
• Campus Ministry
• Cross Country
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Visions Literary & Arts Magazine, Coffeehouse
• Campus Ministry
• Outside of CCHS
  • FEMA National Youth Preparedness Council
  • Volunteer for Sudanese American Medical Association
  • Congressional Intern for Massachusetts' 3rd District
  • Director of Recruitment at Interns 4-Good
  • American Red Cross, Disaster Services, Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer,
  • Tutoring
  • Volunteering with New England hospitals.

About Navin

Navin earned several prestigious academic scholarships including being named a Coca-Cola Scholar, Coolidge Senator, National Merit Scholar, Presidential Scholar Semifinalist, Bryan Impact Scholar Finalist, Northeastern University Stamps Scholar, Boston College Gabelli Scholar, and Boston University Trustee Scholar.

Currently, Navin aspires to enter the field of medicine, practicing either surgery or anesthesia where it is needed the most, in rural America and abroad.

"I’m hoping to research sustainable healthcare practices and better pain management solutions and use what I learn to make change through policy."

Navin has successfully completed 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the AP Capstone™ Diploma Program, and he is also a National Merit® Scholarship winner.

When Navin learned of being named Valedictorian, he was "humbled and overwhelmed by the affection and joy my family, friends, and teachers shared. I am happy I was able to make them proud!"

Navin's CCHS Experience & Faculty Role Models

"I’ve been academically challenged since my freshman year at CCHS," said Navin. "Ms. Burns (Ms. Jeanne Burns, CCHS Academic Dean) does an amazing job of creating an academic path for every student, ensuring that they are pushed beyond their comfort zone and reach their potential."

"Also, the support of my friends and the multitude of ways I was able to engage on campus, through student council, Campus Ministry, and clubs, ensured that I was well-rounded and had a safety net for any challenges I took on."

"All my teachers have been a huge support and inspiration! Ms. Burns has been a staunch supporter and mentor for me since before freshman year. She helped create pathways for me to explore my passions, teaching me to strive to challenge myself in school while also taking time to live life to the fullest and value those around me."

"Mr. McCarthy (Mr. Kevin McCarthy, Director of School & College Counseling) has been an anchoring presence, and I will always appreciate his unique perspectives, inspiring anecdotes, striking persona, and taste in music."

“Ms. Ciccolo (Ms. Stacy Ciccolo, Social Studies Faculty) has taught me to see how policy can drive societal change. Her passion and mentorship foster a love for learning and empower us to aim to have a positive influence on society.”

"Mr. Welch (Mr. Joseph Welch '90, English Faculty) and Mr. Clements (Mr. Michael Clements '94, English Faculty) have unique teaching styles, and in both of their English classes, I've developed my writer’s voice and become a more observant reader.

"Coach Conte (Mr. DJ Conte, Boys Ice Hockey Coach) and the Boys Hockey Team have given me lifelong memories and a truly special experience, teaching me lessons that translate beyond the ice. Also, Mrs. LaBrie (Mrs. Jessica LaBrie ‘09, English Faculty) and Mrs. Thompson (Mrs. Christine Thompson '06, English Faculty) have sparked in me an interest in research, which I hope to expand in college and beyond."

"There are many, many more faculty and staff members who have made my CCHS experience special!"

Raider Legacy

Navin’s sister, Ranjana Ramesh '24 (above in cap and giown), was co-valedictorian for the CCHS Class of 2023.

Navin will be joining Ranjana at Brown University in the Fall 2024.

 

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Arnav Lele '24, Salutatorian

• University of Southern California
• Hometown: Chelmsford
• Middle School: Ste Jeanne d'Arc School, Lowell

Activities

• Raider Boys Varsity Tennis Team, Captain
• Student Ambassadors
• National Honor Society
• DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)

About Arnav

Arnav has earned several academic distinctions including being named a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar With Distinction, and he’s the recipient of a generous USC academic scholarship.

Currently, Arnav – who aspires to enter the aerospace industry as an engineer for SpaceX and eventually develop a start-up company in the field - has successfully completed 11 Advanced Placement (AP) courses throughout his four years at CCHS.

When Arnav learned of being named Salutatorian, he "felt this honor had been the product of four years of my hard work and dedication to my academics, as well as the support and care of my teachers and fellow classmates."

In His Words

"Central Catholic is special because it is more than a school community… it truly is a family," said Arnav.

"I will always remember how Central became a second home for me. I felt welcome and appreciated by all of the faculty, and staff, and they have been patient, diligent, and thoughtful in their teaching, guiding me to succeed in the classroom. My teachers put in a lot of time and effort towards their material, and they were always willing to review a concept or topic I was struggling with."

"My favorite part of the CCHS community was definitely my fellow classmates - everyone brings something special to Central. I was able to meet and connect with students from so many different towns and backgrounds. Some of these people have become my closest friends, and I am forever grateful for CCHS bringing us together."

Arnav’s Faculty Role Models

"I was positively impacted by every teacher and staff member that I interacted with throughout my Central journey," said Arnav.

"I would like to specifically mention Mr. Griffin (Mr. Brian Griffin, Science Teacher) and Mr. Boucher (Mr. Eric Boucher '04, Math Teacher) for nurturing my love of physics and math and for supporting my academic progress."

"Ms. Ciccolo (Ms. Stacy Ciccolo, Social Studies Faculty), Mr. Sullivan (Mr. Christopher Sullivan ’81, President), and Principal Keller (Mrs. Doreen Keller '71^PMA), who have all given me much support, encouragement, and advice during my four years at CCHS."

 

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Congratulations to Navin and Arvan on their accomplishments!

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Celebrating the Class of 2024

Celebrating the Class of 2024

Visit the Class of 2024 page for upcoming events and additional information!